Mayor Scott Urges Residents to Be Aware of Severe Weather Threat

LITTLE ROCK – Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. today urged Little Rock residents to remain alert for the possibility of severe weather this evening and overnight as another strong storm system is expected in central Arkansas.

There is a potential for severe weather between 7 and 10 p.m. and another round of storms overnight and into Wednesday morning. These rounds of storms could potentially exacerbate any unrepaired damage caused by Friday’s tornado. Anticipated wind gusts of up to 65 mph could scatter or displace any undisposed debris.

Residents who have remained in structures that sustained damage in Friday’s storm are encouraged to relocate for the night. The emergency shelter at Calvary Baptist Church, 5700 Cantrell Road, remains open today for displaced residents.

Most importantly, according to emergency management officials, residents should have two different ways to receive weather warnings overnight. A battery-powered NOAA weather radio is the recommended primary method for residents to receive weather alerts.

As of this afternoon, all City of Little Rock emergency sirens are operational ahead of the forecasted severe weather.

“It’s tough to think of the possibility of another round of severe weather in the midst of this recovery, but we must remain vigilant and prepared,” Mayor Scott said. “Especially, in our already hard-hit neighborhoods, please have a plan in place to stay safe, and avoid staying overnight in damaged structures.”

Mayor Scott and fellow Rotarians and City directors Capi Peck and Antwan Phillips updated the Rotary Club of Little Rock today about the ongoing relief and recovery efforts. They again praised first responders, nonprofit organization, volunteers and others who have helped with the recovery.

“We’ve seen since Friday that the people of Little Rock truly understand what it means to love thy neighbor,” Mayor Scott said. “I couldn’t be more proud of our first responders, like the men and women of the Little Rock Police and Fire departments who put service above self. We’ve had city employees who’ve dedicated the last five days to removing debris, serving in shelters, helping assist with resources and donating their time and energy to our residents.”

Today’s updates:

FRONT-LINE HELP: The Family Assistance Center is fully operational at The City Center, 315 N. Shackleford Road. The Center offers water, food and other necessities to impacted residents. The City has partnered with Immanuel Baptist Church and numerous nonprofit agencies and volunteer organizations to set up the Family Assistance Center as a one-stop shop for resources and information.

DISASTER AID: FEMA has a presence at the Family Assistance Center to help individuals applying for federal disaster aid. To apply for federal aid, individuals should download the FEMA app, sign up online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362. In addition, the Small Business Administration has opened up applications for low-interest loans as part of its economic injury disaster loan program. Visit DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov.

ROAD CLOSURES: As debris removal and utility repairs continue, the City has created an up-to-date map of temporary road closures and traffic light outages. Visit LittleRock.gov/roads.

DEBRIS REMOVAL: The City’s site for disposing of yard waste and construction debris is currently open at Reservoir Park, 8321 Cantrell Road. Residents and contractors may dispose of that debris free of charge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The City is accepting vegetative debris and construction debris only, and those must be separated.

The City Public Works Department will pick up curbside debris in affected neighborhoods on an ongoing basis. Residents are asked to separate all vegetative debris, construction waste and bulky items such as appliances into separate piles. Tree debris should be cut to six-foot lengths. Debris must be placed within 10 feet of the curb for City pickup.

DONATE MONEY: The City encourages monetary donations to Little Rock Cares. One-hundred percent of donations to the Little Rock Cares fund will be used to aid in tornado recovery and help affected residents within the City of Little Rock. Visit www.LittleRock.gov to donate.

DONATE GOODS: The City’s donation drop-off site at 7000 Murray Road is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Immediate needs include canned goods such as tuna fish, soup, pasta and chicken; plastic containers of peanut butter or jelly; quart- and sandwich-size plastic bags; cereal; baby formula; baby food; paper grocery bags; toilet paper and can openers.

DONATE TIME: Sign up at LittleRock.gov/volunteer to assist with cleanup and recovery.